Robin Hood's Dawn Blog Tour, Giveaway, & Author Q&A [CLOSED]

Welcome, new and returning visitors!

If you love Robin Hood tales, English history, and its folklore as much as I do, boy is there a new release for us. Check out all the delicious details down below and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a paperback copy of Robin Hood's Dawn!

-Amanda ^_^

Robin Hood’s Dawn: Book One in the Robin Hood Trilogy will be available wherever books are sold as of January 16, 2018.

A KINGDOM UNDER ASSAULT, A CONSPIRACY BORN OF ANARCHY, AND A HERO STANDING AGAINST TYRANNY

A story birthed from both history and folklore— step into a unique retelling of the Robin Hood legend.

Set in 12th century England and France, a time of anarchy, intrigue, and turmoil, Robin Hood’s Dawn [Angevin World Publishing, January 16, 2018] by authors Olivia Longueville and J.C. Plummer offers readers a carefully crafted story blending real history with key elements of the Robin Hood legend. In an intriguing story that highlights Robin’s family background and dynamics like never before, readers will be undeniably enchanted as they follow Robin Fitzooth, a man falsely convicted of a shocking crime who finds refuge in Sherwood Forest and becomes Robin Hood. Leading a band of men against the injustices of a malevolent sheriff and his henchmen, Robin begins to unravel a web of treachery threatening the English royal family.  

As shadowy forces gather to destroy the future of a nation, Robin faces deceit, betrayal, and the ravages of war as he defends his king, his country, his people, and the woman he loves from a conspiracy so diabolical, so unexpected, that the course of history hangs in the balance.

From the mists of an ancient woodland, to lavish royal courts teeming with intrigue, and the exotic shores of the Holy Land — Robin Hood leads the fight in a battle between good and evil, justice and tyranny, the future and the past.

Developed in a fast-paced storyline with elements of political intrigue, questionable morality, adventure, romance, suspense, and mystery, Robin Hood’s Dawn is part one of an enthralling three-part retelling of the legend of Robin Hood.

Author Q&A with Olivia Longueville and J.C. Plummer

Robin Hood’s Dawn:  Book One in the Robin Hood Trilogy

Robin Hood has been featured in many books, movies, and television shows.  How is your story different?

We have taken a fresh approach to the Robin Hood story, and we’re excited to share our vision with fans of the legendary hero.  

We have creatively reimagined the origins of the Robin Hood legend, which includes exploring the complexity of his family dynamics - an aloof, proud father loyal to King Henry II, and a kind-hearted, generous mother devoted to ministering to the poor with her gift for healing.  One theme is that the consequences of immoral actions and secret sins can reverberate across generations, and this is part of the legacy that Robin receives from his father.

We wanted to cast him as a hero fighting against the tyranny of a lawless government official instead of a bandit redistributing wealth.  When Robin is falsely accused of a shocking crime by the new Sheriff of Nottingham, he could have simply retreated to a safe place beyond the reach of the sheriff.  However, he feels a responsibility to the people – he believes in the intrinsic value of every human being – so he takes a stand to defend the people from the actions of the sheriff.  And this points to another theme:  one person can make a difference by taking a stand for what is right.

Robin also feels great admiration for the newly crowned King Richard the Lionhearted.  His loyalty to the king will create a number of conflicts and unexpected consequences in the story.

Lastly, we wanted to set our Robin Hood story in a fascinating time period:  the 12th century.  In our humble opinion, the 12th century has much to offer fans of sweeping tales of political, social, and spiritual upheaval.

We have carefully constructed our story within the framework of real history. We hope that this realism and devotion to actual history will add to the enjoyment of the story and encourage people to learn more about this time.

You’ve emphasized how your Robin Hood story has been reimagined.  Will fans of the traditional ballads still recognize this as a Robin Hood story?

There is a lot of variety in the many books and screen adaptations of the Robin Hood legend.  We wanted to create a story that was respectful towards fans of the original ballads and legends without necessarily adhering to the same storylines that have been previously written.  It is our hope that all Robin Hood fans will enjoy this fresh retelling of the story.

For example, we feel that Marian is a character who deserves more attention.  All too often she is a background character with little to do.  With this in mind, we have focused on creating a Lady Marian who will figure more prominently in the story, especially in book 2.  

Our Marian is more than a love interest for Robin.  Over the course of Robin Hood’s Dawn, Marian transforms from a sheltered, somewhat pampered, girl into a brave woman who continuously strives to overcome both her fears and the obstacles that she faces.  We also wanted her to be feminine and remain believable as a woman of the 12th century.  Of course, keep in mind that the most prominent woman of the 12th century was the indomitable Eleanor of Aquitaine, an inspiration to any woman living in a male-dominated society.  

Fans of the Robin Hood legend will find many familiar characters:  Maid Marian, Little John, Allan-a-dale, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller’s son, Guy of Gisborne, and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Readers will also meet real historical figures such as King Stephen, King Henry II, Richard the Lionhearted, King Philippe II of France, Prince John "the Lackland", and many others, including Ranulphus Besace.  Who was he?  Well, he was a real person who was King Richard’s personal physician!

This book is advertised as the first in a trilogy.  Will the first two books end in cliff-hangers? Will any of the books be stand-alone?  

Although the final mysteries and conflicts will not be resolved until book 3, we have structured the trilogy so that books 1 and 2 do not end in cliffhangers.

The readers will not be left wondering whether the main characters will live or die, and we have endeavored to create a sense of completion in each of the first two books. Some story threads will be resolved, and some of the mysteries surrounding the main characters will be revealed in each of the first two books.

We think readers will be excited and eager for the next installment without suffering undue frustration at the endings of books 1 and 2.  

The books will not be stand-alone.

How did each of you become interested in writing this story and working together as co-authors?

Olivia:

I love to tell stories with multi-dimensional characters.  I speak several languages, and I found that I enjoyed not only writing stories but also writing them in different languages.  My favorite legendary hero is Robin Hood, and my favorite historical figure is Anne Boleyn.  My first novel is an English-language re-imagining of the story of Anne Boleyn.

In 2015, I met Coleen (J.C.) on the Internet and we decided to co-author a Robin Hood Trilogy.  

It is amazing that Coleen and I have managed to successfully work together on our project despite the fact that we have never met each other in real life.  We talk on the phone and frequently exchange skype messages as well as emails.  We have been working together long-distance despite living in very different time zones.

Coleen (J.C.)

I began writing about three years ago.  I had previously done editing work for other authors, but I had never thought about writing my own stories until one day when I was suddenly inspired to start writing, and I’ve been writing nearly non-stop ever since.

I wanted to write a book that would honor the legend of Robin Hood as a man who stood against the tyranny of a powerful government official; a man who fought for justice and fairness because he recognized the intrinsic value rooted in the humanity of all people.  

So, you’ve never actually met, you come from different countries, different cultures, and speak different languages.  How can you co-author a book?  Is it because you have similar writing styles?

Coleen:

Fortunately, Olivia is fluent in English, because that’s the only language I know!

Olivia:

We have found that we have a lot in common – especially our love of writing and of history.  We have to work hard to merge our writing styles, but we have successfully done this.

Coleen:

That’s very true.  Oliva and I have very different “voices” and writing styles.  You might even say they are nearly opposite styles.  

I tend to write in a straightforward, expository style, with a minimum of descriptive elements and metaphorical flourishes.  I am good at explaining things, organizing ideas, and creating natural sounding dialogue.

Olivia:

My writing is characterized by lush romanticism and passionate lyricism.  I love to create metaphors and descriptions which excite the imagination of the reader in a vivid and dramatic way.

Coleen:

In some respects, Olivia’s words are the emotional heart of the story, and my words represent the rational intellect.  Of course, it’s not quite that cut-and-dried, but it is one way to describe how two people with such different styles have come together to create Robin Hood’s Dawn.

About the Authors:

Authors Olivia Longueville and J.C. Plummer met online and bonded over a passion for
storytelling, history, and fiction. They began the journey of writing The Robin Hood Trilogy
despite having never met each other in person.

Olivia Longueville has degrees in finance and general management from London Business School.
Currently, she is working in investment banking and is also helping her father run the family
business. Longueville loves historical fiction, considering herself an amateur historian, and she is
passionate about historical research, genealogy, and art. She has undertaken in-depth research
into the history of the Valois dynasty, the French Renaissance, the Tudors, and the Plantagenets.
As an established published writer of Between Two Kings, she is interested in creating strong and
diverse characters, and giving voice to stories that are unique, compelling, inspiring, and
amusing.

J.C. Plummer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Arts
in History and Anthropology. She then earned a Master of Science degree in Computer
Information Science from Dartmouth College. Growing up on a small farm in Kansas, Plummer
developed a lifelong fascination with history and a curiosity about other cultures and people.
Coauthoring The Robin Hood Trilogy has merged her passions for history, culture, and technology
into one unique, exciting project. As an author and historian, Plummer’s goal is to provide
thoughtful and entertaining storytelling that honors the past, is mindful of the present, and is
optimistic for the future.

To learn more about Robin Hood’s Dawn: Book One in the Robin Hood Trilogy, visit www.angevinworld.com.


A timely and provocative read broadening the storyline of this well-known legend, Robin Hood’s Dawn reveals:

• Historical detail in the events, characters, and locations throughout the storyline 
• The intrinsic value of all people, regardless of wealth and status
• The inherently raw characteristics of Robin Hood—an indomitable, clever, and honorable man who is also overconfident and reckless
• The transformation of Lady Marian into a powerful female character who faces danger with an intrepid spirit
• The moral imperative of defending the powerless against tyrannical government officials
• And so much more!

Congratulations, winner! You will be receiving an email with the necessary details. Thanks to everyone else who participated. ^_^

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BLOG TOUR | AUTHOR INTERVIEW | Cursed by the Fountain of Youth by Holly Kelly

We're so thrilled to announce that Cursed by the Fountain of Youth is now available!!! This has been a year in the making. With a blend of true history and legends, you'll be shocked and thrilled to see the history behind places we call home.

Hey, everybody! Today I'm happy to take part in the blog tour for Cursed by the Fountain of Youth. Make sure to scroll to the end for all the goodies -an author interview, book excerpt, and giveaway!

What if the Fountain of Youth were a woman and that woman’s blood held the key to eternal youth? For Fae Miller, that is her reality and it will likely kill her.

For centuries, countless adventurers have searched for the Fountain of Youth. Those who found it thought they would gain eternal life. Instead, they find themselves murdered by its guardians. There was, however, one, lone survivor—Fae Miller. As an infant, she not only survived the Fountain, she took its power.

Twenty-two years later, Fae is hiding in plain sight at a local college. She’s is determined to leave the past behind her and live a normal life. But for one dying man, the search for the Fountain of Youth continues, and he is leaving a trail of blood and mutilated bodies in his wake. Unfortunately, that trail leads directly to Fae. Her only hope is a young, new college professor, also known as Special Agent Nick Chase of the FBI. Nick is determined to do two things: keep Fae alive, and keep his relationship with his student professional. Both of these jobs prove difficult—especially when love and magic get involved.

You Can Get Your Copy for Only $2.99!!

 

Interview with Holly Kelly:

Amanda: Give us some insight into your main character, Fae Miller. What does she do that is so special?
Holly: Fae has grown up in hiding. Living under the oppressive hand of a woman she discovers is mentally ill, she finds a way to escape her and for the first time, she joins the real world. She really shows her strength throughout the book as she refuses to let things stop her or get her down. 

A: If you found yourself in Fae's place, what three items would you want to help you through her trials?

H: She could use a crowbar, a taser, and a book on how to use the powers granted by the Fountain of Youth. All three of these things could have saved her a lot of trouble.

A: Were you good at English in school?

 

H: I was what you'd consider average. I hated grammar and I hated most the books they had me read--it showed in less than stellar grades. I much preferred to read YA romance!

A: Everyone talks about writer's block, but since this is a book blog, I want to know if you ever get reader's block? How do you overcome it?

 

H: I sometimes get too busy writing to read as much as I should. But truly, reading is important for my mental health--if I don't read enough, I go a bit nuts. The cure? Pick up a book and read! (I really love the cure.) Reading is my outlet. I absolutely love it and I read at least one novel a week.

A: What's the last book/movie/show that made you say, "Dang, I wish I'd written that!"

 

H: I don't usually wish I'd written something someone else wrote, but I often think, "I want to write something that awesome!" I have that feeling every time I read an Amy Harmon book. Her books are just...Wow!!! So amazing!!!

A: Last but not least, what's next for The Unnatural States of America'?

 

H: Next comes Beauty and the Horseman's Head. It's like Beauty and the Beast meets...you guessed it...The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It's in the world of eighteenth-century Sleepy Hollow, but the plot line follows the Beauty and the Beast story--except beauty is a school teacher/former Revolutionary war nurse, and the beast is a bewitched, severed head of the Headless Horseman. The banter between the two has been soooo fun to write. I really cannot wait to release this book!

  Book Excerpt:

Bathed in moonlight stood the most beautiful scene Fae had ever laid eyes on. A fountain sat on top of a hill. Stone steps at her feet led up to the structure. Water flowed over the side of it, as if someone had been filling it and left the water running too long. The water continued its flow down the steps and seeped into the mossy ground at her feet.

Sloshing through the water, Fae made her way up the steps. Even though the air around her felt cold, the water warmed her feet. When she got to the top, she gasped at the breadth of the fountain. It was the size of a swimming pool, brimming with water that spilled over the side.

The singing stopped, and then a voice spoke, filling her with inexplicable joy. Fontaine. You’ve returned to me.

She’d heard this voice before, but couldn’t quite place where.

Come join me in the water.

“I’ll drown,” she said.

There was a warm chuckle. You won’t drown, my child. You are born of my waters.

“Who are you?” Fae asked, uncertain whether she should be terrified or not.

I am the Lady of the Fountain.

“Is that kind of like the Lady of the Lake? The one in King Arthur’s legend?”

You speak of Freya, my sister. My name is Ester.

Fae looked around at the forest of the Between and wondered if this was the place she was born, and not the bayou in Florida. Could her mother be buried around here?

This is not my original home, Ester said, as if she could read Fae’s thoughts. I have been moved twice in my lifetime. My first home is in a place you call Ethiopia. I lived happily there for many centuries. But then I was stolen from my home and brought to the Americas. For many years, I was kept safe by my guardians, but then one betrayed me and wished to exploit my powers. I did not allow him to use me to further his evil designs. But then I was left alone—until a man named Conall found me and brought me here.

“Why didn’t he return you to your home in Africa?”

He told me my home has been corrupted. I would not be safe there.

“I’m really sorry.”

Don’t worry over me, child. This place is wholly adequate.

“That’s good to hear.” Fae paused, the question she’d been dying to ask on the tip of her tongue. Finally, she asked, “Do you remember my mother and father? Do you know where I can find them?”

I’m sorry. Where they are, you cannot go. I am truly sorry.  

"So they truly are dead?"

"Yes."

Fae’s heart sank. She hoped that Brigitte had been lying and her parents were alive somewhere. Fae could feel the remorse emanating from the fountain and felt the need to comfort Ester.

“But, you saved me.”

Yes, I did.”

“Thank you,” Fae said.

You are welcome, my child.

Fae reached out her hand and touched the water. Her spirits immediately lightened. The water took on a green glow as a breathtaking face appeared just below the surface, haloed in long, black hair. The Lady smiled at her but remained beneath the water.

“So, you can grant youthfulness?” Fae asked.

Or take it, from anyone that touches my waters.

 “What happens when they drink?”

They are not meant to drink. That is a theft. Youth stolen without permission. For most, the punishment is immediate—madness.

An errant leaf drifted and landed on the surface of the water. Fae expected it would float, but it didn’t. It dropped like a stone. This water wasn’t like any other she’d seen. Fae wondered what those waters had done to her.

The waters did nothing to you. I gave you my power. I saw what was planned from the beginning. I could not stop him from destroying my guardians, but I could keep him from succeeding in his quest for eternal life. So, I gave you my power—leaving me weak and powerless. That act accomplished two things—it kept the power from falling into evil hands, and it saved your life.

“Are you still powerless?”

No, my dear.  I am now fully restored.

“That’s good to know, but I’m sorry to tell you that he found me. He came after me. He got his youth back.”

That is unfortunate. I only meant to protect. Instead, I cursed you.

“I wouldn’t call eternal youth a curse.”

It can be. There is no fear as universal as the fear of death. Men will kill to stop it. They will do the most heinous and terrible things to avoid it. And giving you the power to grant eternal life will make you forever a target. Now, will you please join me in my waters?

 

 

About the Author:

Holly Kelly is a mom who writes books in her spare time: translation--she hides in the bathroom with her laptop and locks the door while the kids destroy the house and smear peanut butter on the walls. She was born in Utah but moved around a bit, living in Kansas, Texas, and Hawaii where she studied marine biology. She's now back in Utah--"happy valley". She's married to a wonderful husband, James, and they are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. Her interests are reading, writing (or course), martial arts, visual arts, creating Halloween props, and spending time with family.

Visit Holly at AuthorHollyKelly.com

 

The History behind the Mystery:

St. Augustine, Florida is rich in history, murder, intrigue, and ghost stories—making it the perfect setting for this book. You might be interested to know that some of the most outrageous tales in this novel are actually based on true history—including the tale of Captain Abela and Dolores. The tragic end to their love story occurred over two hundred years ago in a secret room located in St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos—a castle-like fort built by the Spanish over three hundred years ago. Tourists are able to sign up for the St. Augustine Ghost Tour to learn more about the ill-fated lovers. The image at the right is the actual room in which they died. You'll learn more about their story by reading Cursed by the Fountain of Youth.

Another interesting note: The legend of the Fountain of Youth has long been tied with St. Augustine and there is talk of a society that exists to protect the Fountain of Youth from discovery. No one knows if the society truly exists. If it does, it is cloaked in secrecy.

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